The urinal, an object so ubiquitous it often goes unnoticed, has been a part of bathroom design for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. It has even found its way into the realm of art, with Marcel Duchamp's controversial "Fountain" challenging societal norms and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression. And while opinions are divided on whether the contentious artwork was a genuine artist’s statement or a hoax (after all, it is just a urinal flipped upside down), the essential function of the fixture cannot be underestimated.
Naturally, the humble urinal has evolved over time, reflecting a dynamic interplay of technological innovation, environmental consciousness, hygiene standards, and changing aesthetic sensibilities. From their rudimentary origins in public restrooms, urinals have transformed into more sophisticated, sensor-activated, and water-efficient design solutions in an effort to keep up with the changing needs of modern society. We’ve seen conservative variations of the urinal’s quintessential shape and finish; however, one can’t help but notice that other bathroom fixtures have seen more robust design evolutions over time. Until now.
Caroma, an Australian company with a long history of pushing the boundaries of bathroom design, is again disrupting the status quo with its latest release: the Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal. And while Duchamp's "Fountain" sparked a crucial dialogue about art's boundaries, Caroma's innovative product refocuses the conversation on one of the most vital aspects of commercial and public bathrooms: hygiene.
Hygiene as a design imperative
To fully appreciate the innovation behind Caroma's Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal, you first have to understand that while hygiene is a fundamental part of any bathroom experience, the means of achieving it aren’t always that clean-cut. Hygiene isn’t just one thing. It has a functional aspect - such as the use of easy-to-clean surfaces or antimicrobial finishes; but it’s also an ambience that can be created within a space.
Hygiene is how we feel entering a bathroom, which informs how we think about it, and whether we feel welcomed or comfortable. The perception of cleanliness is an important aspect of hygiene; and people react more positively to businesses that create spaces that feel clean. In commercial spaces, that perception often becomes intrinsically linked to the developer or business owner, which can ultimately influence brand perception and whether the user returns to the establishment.
Maintaining the feeling of hygiene in a highly-trafficked environment is not always easy. Bathroom spaces in airports, shopping centres, busy restaurants or office spaces that see a constant influx of users – often with varying degrees of commitment to following personal hygiene protocols – are especially susceptible to issues. And while most of these spaces are regularly and professionally cleaned, they’re still at high risk of becoming breeding grounds for bacteria, unpleasant odours, experiences and – unfortunately – sights.
True hygiene requires a holistic design approach. From spatial considerations and maintaining the appropriate distance between fixtures; ventilation, and lighting; to prioritising non-porous, stain-resistant materials and integrating automation and touchless or antimicrobial technologies; creating a hygienic interior is an extensive undertaking. Even colour selection has a fundamental implication on how clean the interior will appear, and even sustainability considerations – such as durability or water conservation – enter the conversation as part of environmental hygiene.
Built with a truly comprehensive understanding of hygiene, Caroma's Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal addresses these complex considerations with a range of innovative features.
Hygiene reimagined: Caroma's Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal
From its sleek, simple design and finish, to the latest technological advancement and a pronounced focus on sustainability, Caroma's Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal represents a paradigm shift in restroom hygiene.
Caroma's signature CleanFlush® rimless technology, a patented Australian design, is a great example of the product’s visionary yet unassuming form. The intelligent, rimless design – coupled with superior hydraulic flushing performance – eliminates the concealed crevices that harbour bacteria in traditional urinals. In practice, this feature helps ensure a comprehensive and hygienic clean with every flush and minimises the risk of splashback. This innovative design reduces the proliferation of germs, mitigates unpleasant odours, and simplifies cleaning protocols for facility managers, reducing maintenance time and cost savings.
In addition, each urinal incorporates Caroma's signature GermGard® antimicrobial protection – a unique formula integrated into the bowl’s ceramic glaze – which effectively eliminates 99% of bacteria on contact, further compounding the urinal’s hygienic profile.
Clean aesthetic
The urinal’s minimalist ceramic design boasts a timeless, sleek aesthetic, making it a versatile solution for various commercial bathroom interiors. The compact form assists with thoughtful spatial planning, while the white-glazed finish evokes that all-important feeling of cleanliness.
In addition, the spreader cap – available in a selection of colourful finishes in addition to the supplied stainless-steel option – allows designers to harmonise the fixture with other products from the Caroma range for a cohesive, uncluttered aesthetic.
A sustainable take on hygiene
Beyond its immaculate aesthetic, the Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal excels in terms of sustainability and water conservation, ensuring environmental hygiene remains top of mind for architects, developers, and business owners.
Caroma’s innovative siphonic trap effectively flushes the waste through while using the least amount of water, and the Smart Demand technology ensures that the urinal flushes only when needed. Plus, with additional configuration settings, the urinal offers automatic sanitary flush – a crucial component in commercial bathrooms. These features are incredibly effective in improving a building’s water use, while minimising any need for direct interaction between the user and the fixture.
In addition, the urinal’s impressive WELS 6-star rating and efficient 0.8L flush reinforce the Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal as an environmentally responsible choice that aligns with the growing demand for sustainable building practices. The urinal can also be retrofitted into an existing layout, allowing easy upgrades or replacements without altering plumbing.
Shifting the conversation: Caroma's legacy of innovation
With the Cube CleanFlush® Electronic Urinal, Caroma elevates the often-overlooked urinal to a design element that prioritises hygiene as an essential aspect of health and safety, sustainability and user experience. By, once again, transforming a mundane object into a significant symbol of innovative design brilliance, Caroma not only sets a new standard for public restroom hygiene but also showcases its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of bathroom design. With the Cube CleanFlush®, the trailblazing manufacturer proves that even the most utilitarian objects can be reimagined as timeless, sustainable, and hygienic solutions, ultimately elevating the overall experience of commercial and public spaces – and the meaning of “clean design.”
